The Bolivia Partnership

For over a decade, Church of England Birmingham has partnered with the Diocese of Bolivia in South America.

Churches and individuals across Birmingham and the wider region support colleagues in Bolivia through prayer, shared learning and financial provision.

Donate now to the Birmingham Bolivia Emergency Appeal

Our Anglican partners in Bolivia are bearing their witness of hope and life through Christ amidst the country’s prolonged economic crisis. Many people in Bolivia are out of work, prices in the shops are doubling, and fuel is scarce. Remuneration of clergy is increasingly difficult and many work voluntarily.

In spite of these challenges, churches are continuing to fulfil an active and effective mission and ministry. Bishop Walter Toro, Bishop of Bolivia invites Church of England Birmingham to share in their vision:

“We invite you to be part of our family of faith. In the Anglican Episcopal Church of Bolivia we firmly believe in the power of faith to transform our lives. We are an open and welcoming community that strives to live the gospel day by day. Together we worship God, support each other, and work to serve those most in need”.

Bolivia Emergency Appeal – Spring 2026

In March 2026 Bishop Walter Toro became very seriously ill. He has received specialist medical interventions and currently remains in intensive care, at significant financial expense.

Please join us in prayer for Bishop Walter’s recovery, and in contributing to the very high costs of the treatment he is receiving.

How to donate

For individuals: You can make a personal contribution to this emergency appeal by donating through the Parish Giving Scheme’s Birmingham Bolivia Emergencies appeal.

For churches: Your church can contribute to this emergency appeal by donating directly via bank transfer.

Account name: Birmingham Dioc Cent Fund – Bolivia
Account number: 00575701
Sort code: 12-05-65
Reference: Bolivia Emergencies

Priorities for prayer

For recovery for Bishop Walter Toro, who is seriously ill in intensive care.

That the Anglican Church in Bolivia will have the spiritual and material resources to sustain its ministry and continue its mission in this time of crisis.

That the newly elected President of Bolivia, Rodrigo Paz, will be enabled to restore unity and economic stability throughout the country.

That the Bolivian clergy may receive adequate financial support.

That five congregations will succeed in reaching more people with the gospel in their respective neighbourhoods, and new church plants will be established.

That God will guide the Anglican Church in Bolivia in preparing a strategic and costed plan towards gaining economic independence.

That Christian denominations in Bolivia may continue to work together for national renewal.

Wider support for Diocese of Bolivia

In addition to the current emergency appeal, you can support other aspects of the Diocese of Bolivia. Donate now via the Parish Giving Scheme website:

History of the Birmingham-Bolivia partnership

In 2008, supported by his bishop, a member of the clergy of the newly formed Anglican Diocese of Bolivia came to England seeking a companion diocese. He met with colleagues in Birmingham, and from that first contact an increasingly fruitful partnership has developed between the Church of England Birmingham and the Diocese of Bolivia.

In its short history our South American partner has established five congregations in four major cities and three or more church plants are in formation, including one high on the Altiplano.

Through a series of reciprocal visits between Bolivia and Birmingham, strong cross-cultural friendships have been forged.

The most recent visit in August 2023 involved an 11-member team from Birmingham, who engaged in worship, witness, and a short training conference. In November 2025, we welcomed Bishop Walter Toro to Birmingham, where he visited eight congregations and shared time with Bishop Michael and clergy.